I want a real friend, Lady Dredlinton." She gave him her hand.
"Josephine, if you please," she said, "and all the friendship you care to claim.

There, see how rapidly we have progressed! You have been here barely a quarter of an hour and I have given you what really means a great deal to me." "I shall prize it," he assured her, "and I shall justify it." They began to talk of their first meeting, of the doctors and friends whom they had known together.

The time slipped away.

It was nearly seven o'clock when he rose to leave.

Even then she seemed loath to let him go.
"What are you doing this evening ?" she enquired.
"Nothing," he answered promptly.
"Come back and dine here," she begged.